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Lesson 3 - Control & Concentration Yoga

Balance & Breath Wellness

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Year 4

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use breath and body awareness to develop concentration and self-confidence?

Learning Objectives

To work with control whilst isolating different body parts in yoga poses
To maintain concentration and focus during mindful movement sequences
To develop self-motivation and physical confidence through challenging poses

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled movement in isolation exercises
Students will show sustained concentration during breathing and movement sequences
Students will display increased self-confidence and motivation in challenging poses

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in rows with adequate spacing for movement

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Background Music

1 audio system

Volume low enough for instruction to be heard clearly

Alternative: Natural silence if no music system available

Key Vocabulary

Mountain Pose

A foundational standing pose with feet parallel and body tall and strong

Tree Pose

A balancing pose standing on one leg with the other foot placed against the standing leg

Sun Salutation

A flowing sequence of yoga poses linked with breath

Downward Dog

An inverted V-shape pose with hands and feet on the ground

Child's Pose

A resting pose sitting back on heels with forehead to the ground

Meditation

Focused attention and mindfulness practice to calm the mind

Affirmation

A positive statement repeated to build confidence and self-belief

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of yoga poses from Unit 1
Experience with breathing techniques
Ability to follow simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Control and isolation of body parts
Sustained concentration techniques
Self-motivation and confidence building

Next Steps

Advanced sun salutation sequences
Partner yoga poses
Extended meditation practices

Milestone Indicators

Holds tree pose for 30 seconds without wobbling

Completes sun salutation sequence without prompting

Demonstrates self-regulation during relaxation

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise personal practice over perfect poses
Coordinate breathing with movement throughout all sequences
Maintain clear physical boundaries and consent during partner activities
Use modifications freely to accommodate all abilities
Focus on mindfulness and body awareness over achievement
Create calm, non-competitive atmosphere throughout session
End with gratitude practice to promote positive mindset

Common Misconceptions

Yoga requires extreme flexibility - emphasise that yoga develops flexibility gradually
Everyone should look the same in poses - celebrate individual differences and modifications
Deeper poses are better - focus on proper alignment and personal limits
Yoga is only about physical poses - highlight breath, mindfulness, and emotional benefits
Competition with others is helpful - emphasise personal practice and self-acceptance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter pose holds with more transitions, use movement breaks, provide fidget-friendly alternatives

dyspraxia

Simplified pose variations, extra time for transitions, partner support for complex sequences

autism spectrum

Clear routine and predictable structure, quiet space available if overwhelmed, visual schedule of poses

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, allow tactile guidance with consent, partner support for demonstration

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, use hand signals for breathing cues, written pose cards available

physical disability

Chair-based modifications for all poses, adapted versions of sequences, focus on breath work

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, vocabulary development with yoga terms, creating personal affirmations

Maths

Counting breaths and repetitions, understanding symmetry in poses, measuring time for pose holds

Science

Study of the respiratory system and how breathing affects the body, understanding balance and gravity in yoga poses

PSHE

Mindfulness and emotional regulation, building self-confidence, appropriate physical boundaries and consent

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to provide individual guidance, position for clear demonstration visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, breathing technique, and respectful interaction with others

Intervention Points

Step in if students are struggling with balance, provide modifications, ensure appropriate physical contact

Demonstration Notes

Show modifications for all poses, emphasise personal practice over perfection, model mindful awareness throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe deeply and find your focus'
•'Modify as needed - listen to your body'
•'Gentle touch only during massage'
•'Every body is different - honour yours'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 4m clear space per student with additional space for sun salutation sequence

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for yoga poses, yoga mats provide cushioning and grip

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats for tears or slippery areas
•Ensure adequate spacing between mats
•Remove any obstacles from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Inappropriate physical contact during massage
•Overstraining in poses
•Neck strain in inversions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear instruction on appropriate touch boundaries
•Emphasis on modifications and personal limits
•Constant supervision during partner activities
•Gradual progression in pose difficulty

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during balance poses
•Monitor closely during group massage activity
•Watch for signs of overexertion or discomfort

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school nurse if needed